Loading...To our congregational leaders, lay and ordained:
Much information is being disseminated by the media about a potential swine flu pandemic. While it is important to be vigilant, it is also important to get good information that can assist each congregation in planning for this eventuality.
Here are some useful tips for each congregation:
1. //chfs.ky.gov/dph/epi/preparedness/panflu/ is an excellent web site for up-to-date information from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Please check it daily for updates.
2. The governor's office reported one confirmed case of swine flu, involving a Warren County woman who had traveled to Mexico recently and is hospitalized in George, and one probable case, involving an infant who had been in close contact with an individual who had traveled to Mexico, according to a bulletin from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services: //healthalerts.ky.gov/currentAlerts/.
3. Use common sense and do not panic or react.
4. Congregational leadership should probably meet and discuss local plans in case of an outbreak in Kentucky.
5. Plans need to include a method of accounting for the welfare every local member of the congregation; providing accurate information; encouraging individuals and households to practice preventive measures as outlined in //www.pandemicflu.gov/. This site has lots of excellent information re: prevention and proactive planning.
6. At this time, there is no reason to cancel services, meetings, etc.
7. Simple, through, frequent hand-washing, staying home if one is ill, coughing or sneezing into the elbow, rather than the hand are all useful individual prevention strategies.
8. Consult the Episcopal Church Province IV website (//www.provinceiv.org/) for a comprehensive manual for disaster and catastrophic event planning.
Episcopal Relief & Development Prepares for Potential Swine Flu Pandemic
4/27/2009
A recent outbreak of swine influenza was confirmed on April 24th, 2009 when eight confirmed cases were diagnosed in the United States. Several schools in New York, Texas, California and Ohio are closing this week as a result of students contracting the flu. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) declared a public health emergency as a precautionary measure and encourages preparedness. The CDC and the White House assure the public that there is no cause for alarm.
As part of the Domestic Disaster Response program, Episcopal Relief & Development is closely monitoring the needs related to swine flu by remaining in regular contact with public health officials and authorities on both national and local levels. Episcopal Relief & Development is also reaching out to potential collaborative responders through the network of agencies affiliated with the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters.
"Swine flu is currently being handled by the health authorities," said Abagail Nelson, Senior Vice President for Programs at Episcopal Relief & Development. "We are, however, prepared to respond through our church networks should we be needed."
Extensive information about preparing for the swine flu and other potential pandemic influenza outbreaks is available on Episcopal Relief & Development's web site. This site links to strong examples of pandemic preparedness plans and provides resources that can help people to maintain business continuity and provide for congregational gathering needs should an outbreak occur.
"It is our hope that by preparing for the possibility of an influenza pandemic, the Episcopal community will be better able to protect each other and serve those in need," said Nelson.
For more information about pandemic influenza visit www.er-d.org/PlanningforPandemicInfluenza. To support Episcopal Relief & Development's Domestic Disaster programs, please make a donation online to the Disaster Response Fund at www.er-d.org, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief & Development, P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
Other news and resources:
The following link was found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (//www.cdc.gov):
CDC Swine Influenza (Flu) 1 Information for Concerned Parents and Caregivers
